Pearl-Qatar starts water taxi shuttle

Doha, May 5, 2012

The Pearl-Qatar, one of the largest real-estate developments in the Gulf region, said it has started operating the first and only water taxi service in capital Doha allowing residents and visitors to commute around the island in style.

A masterpiece of private and modern living on a 4 million sq m island, The Pearl-Qatar is being developed by United Development Company (UDC). The giant project offers a tailored range of residential solutions to meet the highest of standards available in Gulf.

The water taxi is being operated by Ronautica Middle East (RME), a wholly-owned subsidiary of UDC. This unique shuttle service operates within the Porto Arabia precinct and will later this year expand to connect all parts of the island.

The service is equipped with a fleet of 22 ft boats, which are electrically propelled and as a result, eco-friendly. The boats have comfortable seating and are completely silent, which makes each trip a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

“An efficient infrastructure to enable the movement of people around the island was a part of the master development plan for The Pearl-Qatar since its inception,” remarked Roger Dagher, the director of corporate communications at UDC.

“This is just one of the many services provided for the convenience of visitors and residents at The Pearl-Qatar, but it also allows people to explore the Island and take full advantage of our first class shopping and dining outlets,” he stated.

According to Jaume Marco, RME general manager, the company will continue to offer a great option for passengers looking to enjoy water commutes around the different areas of Porto Arabia.

“As other precincts of The Pearl-Qatar open up for residents and visitors, the water taxi will become an even more valuable commute alternative for residents wanting to enjoy a relaxing sea ride on their way to their favorite shop or restaurant.”

'There are currently five locations within Porto Arabia where visitors and residents can catch a water shuttle: Water Taxi 1; Water Taxi 6; Water Taxi 11; Water Taxi 17 and Marina Gate 30,' said Marco.

Those wanting to ride the shuttle service can purchase individual tickets from three locations within The Pearl-Qatar – the Concierge Desk at 4 La Croisette, the Harbour Master’s office front desk and also Al Tabkha Restaurant at 18 La Croisette, he added.

Ronautica was established in March 2007 with the purpose of developing marine related services and to manage and operate first-class marinas in the Middle East.-TradeArabia News Service